Offensive attack: The Razorbacks will use multiple sets after riding the spread attack to their first playoff berth.The offense will decide if they make it back.They have eight new starters and must replace last year's star quarterback, Donald Hudson.

Defensive keys: Will Cross Creek win with defense this year? Normington thinks so. He has a nose for the ball and logged 97 tackles, including 14 for losses, last year. Bolden adds quickness. Myers has a great work ethic. Eitson's hands might play a role on offense and defense.

Thin at: Offensive line

Big game: at Glenn Hills, Oct. 27

Different this year: No Hudson, and Kevin Hunt's departure to Greenbrier, are the big tweaks. Those two had a lot to do with the rise of Cross Creek football over the past two years.

Could go bad if: A capable quarterback fails to emerge and a bumbling young offense wipes out the defense's good work. It also looks like this team might not match up well against big, physical teams.

Great year if: Just enough offense shows up in a region where there's not a big talent gap between the middle and the cellar. The playoffs are unlikely with Thomson and Washington County around, but five or six wins would be another fine year.